Police Officer

Police Officer

General duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Examples of duties include:

• Effecting arrests, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subduing resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resorting to the use of hands and feet, and other approved weapons in self-defense.
• Preparing investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.
• Exercising independent judgement in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree.
• Operating a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke and rain.
• Communicating effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
• Conducting preliminary investigations at scenes of traffic accidents and crimes. Collecting and preserving evidence, locating witnesses and gathering information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informers.
• Pursuing fleeing suspects and performing rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
• Loading, unloading, aiming and firing from a variety of body positions – handguns, shotguns and other agency firearms under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards.
• Performing searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
• Conducting visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
• Engaging in law enforcement patrol functions that include such things as working rotating shifts, walking on foot patrol and physically checking the doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure.
• Effectively communicating with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.
• Demonstrating communication skills in court and other formal settings.
• Detecting and collecting evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions and that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.
• Enduring verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.
• Performing rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas.
• Processing and transporting prisoners using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints.
• Extinguishing small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.
• Reading and comprehending legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and warrants.
• Processing arrest suspects to include taking their photographs and obtaining a legible set of inked fingerprint impressions.

Typical qualifications include:

• Knowledge of department rules and regulations; department written directives; police report writing; law enforcement procedures and operations; federal, state and city criminal laws and ordinances; criminal justice system operations.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine proper course of action to be taken.
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously and tactfully and with respect for the rights of others.
• Ability to learn the geography of the city and its physical and social characteristics.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read, write and speak effectively.
• Ability to meet physical requirements and standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to demonstrate interpersonal skills and integrity.
• Ability to manage personal finances.
• Successful completion of BCC testing procedures.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.